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Members of the leadership program have participated in fundraisers for various local organizations in the past, Cypryla said. But the program switched to a service project last year to allow participants to have a more direct impact in the community.
This year participants helped prepare two duplexes on West Mulberry Street as the facility prepares to begin accepting its first patients. The facility will provide 16 beds for area patients.
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“Whatever we can do in an hour and 15 minutes, we’ve got 36 bodies to get as much done as we can,” she said.
The Celebrating Recovery House is expected to begin serving residents as early as this fall, said Corina Bowen, who is helping coordinate the project. The program is being managed by a coalition of Springfield churches, and is designed to provide a year-long housing and treatment program for individuals who are addicted to drugs, particularly those recently released from jail or prison, Bowen said.
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Participants will move through the program in phases that will provide education and therapy initially and then move on to preparing them to deal with tactics to cope with daily challenges like managing a budget, she said. The program is also working with local employers who will provide internships and job training opportunities to help residents succeed once the program ends.
“This is going to be a place where they can get a fresh start,” Bowen said.
Amanda Jackson, a housing placement coordinator with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, was one of the Leadership Clark County participants who spent time helping organize the homes Thursday. She said it was helpful to learn about the program and donate her time.
“It’s been very beneficial thus far,” Jackson said.
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